The brand new solar and wind energy system that was recently installed at the Genoa Township Hall went online on August 16, 2010, just before the township board meeting. Township Supervisor Gary McCririe “flipped the switch” on the new system that will now supply the Township Hall with green energy.
The five Windspire wind/solar turbines were installed this month on a hill just behind the Genoa Township Hall, according to a recent press release. They are 30 feet in height and sit on top of a 20-foot tall pedestal. The system has a total rated capacity of 9.5 kW and is expected to provide about 20 percent of the Township Hall’s electrical needs.
“When the Township Hall is not in use and it is a very windy or sunny day, the wind and solar system may generate more power than the hall needs,” according to the press release. In such instances, power will be fed back to the electrical grid. A “net” meter was installed that spins backward when this occurs. In effect, this will pay the Township for energy produced.
In addition, there is a digital meter that was installed on the east side of the township garage. It will register the instantaneous power and the total power produced by the entire system. Residents will be able to follow the system’s progress throughout the coming years.
Genoa Township has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Multi-Purpose Block Grant of $94,919 from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Bureau of Energy Systems.
Windspire turbines are manufactured in Manistee, Michigan, with domestic materials. For more information on Windspire, click here: https://www.greeningdetroit.com/commercial-industrial-buildings/commercial-industrial-product-directory/mariah-power/
Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer and Public Relations, GreeningDetroit.com
Jennifer is pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a Contributing Writer for The South End.
